What is in your Paracetamol?

did you know…

Starch

Due to its low cost and many properties, starch is a common ingredient in many drugs, mostly used in tablets and capsules.

Naturally, starch is a white powder which can vary depending on the type, of which they are many. For example, maize, potato, wheat etc. can all be used to manufacture several products. In the case of paracetamol, maize starch and soluble starch are used.

Starch can be used as[1]

• A Binder
• A Diluent
• A Disintergrant
• A Thickening Agent

Maize starch:

When maize starch is added as an excipient, it allows water to enter the tablet in the presence of moisture. Therefore enables it to dissolve once swallowed.

Soluble Starch:

Soluble starches are more useful as a binder to produce strong tablets which take longer to dissolve.

By using a ratio of both starches, the manufacturer can alter the time it takes for the tablet to dissolve and determine the tablet density[2].

Starch can be found as an ingredient in many consumable goods, including:

References:

1) American Pharmaceutical Review. Pharmaceutical Excipients. 2020 [cited 09/07/20]; Available from: https://www.americanpharmaceuticalreview.com/25335-Pharmaceutical-Raw-Materials-and-APIs/25283-Pharmaceutical-Excipients/

2) Michaud J. Starch based excipients for pharmaceutical tablets. Pharmaceuticals. 2002:42-44.

Often Plant-based

Often Vegetarian

Often animal-based

Often Synthetic